'Ops Daulat' renamed 'Ops Sanggah'

'Ops Daulat', which has successfully rid Kampung Tanduo, 130km from here, of Sulu armed intruders in March, has been renamed 'Ops Sanggah' to mark the launch of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM). The announcement was made by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also ESSCOM chairman, at a special appreciation parade for Ops Daulat in Felda Sahabat 16 here today. Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zain and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar handed over the tasks of maintaining peace and security along 1,400km of the Sabah's coastline in the east of the state to ESSCOM director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek. The ceremony was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Musa. Speaking to reporters, Musa said Ops Sanggah would be as successful as Ops Daulat if it were to get continued cooperation and commitment from all parties involved. He said public involvement was very important as they were the "eyes and ears" of the government in disseminating information to the security forces to ensure immediate action could be taken. "The Sabah government will continue to work with the federal government and is committed to help the security forces ensure that the dignity and integrity of the country would be upheld," he said. Meanwhile, Zulkifeli said the strength of the security forces in ESSCOM would be maintained like during Ops Daulat, but more emphasis would be given to intelligence gathering. He said armed forces personnel and policemen from the peninsula would be stationed in the east coast of Sabah until the setting up of five battalions of security forces there. One of the battalions will be set up in Felda Sahabat, he said, adding that military assets used during combat operations during Ops Daulat such as tanks, aircraft and artillery would come under ESSCOM purview. "Patrolling and sea surveillance will be stepped up from time to time," he said.